European Championship 2012 preview: Denmark

STV
Morten Olson has been in charge of Denmark for almost 12 years.skovbo78

Perennial over-achievers, Denmark have qualified for seven of the last eight European Championship tournaments.

As ever, Denmark are able to call on players from some of the top clubs in Europe, but can they emerge from the Group of Death?

FIFA Ranking: 10

Elo Ranking: 19

Odds: 100-1

Best Performance at European Championships: Winners (1992)

Despite only being invited to the tournament when Yugoslavia were disqualified, Denmark grew in confidence throughout the tournament. Finishing ahead of France and England, Denmark then beat defending champions, the Netherlands, in a penalty shoot-out. In the final they saw off a tired looking Germany by 2-0.

How they qualified: Winners in Group H

Denmark finished top of their group, ahead of Portugal and Norway. The Danes had a perfect home record, and beat the much fancied Portugal side at the start of qualification.

The Boss: Morten Olsen

As one of Denmark’s greatest ever players, Olsen has huge respect in his homeland. A highly decorated career with Brugge, Anderlecht and Koln was followed by his first taste of management in 1990 with Brondby, where he won back-to-back league titles. He returned to Koln as manager, but struggled to improve the team. His next job was with Ajax, where he led them to the league and cup double in 1998. He had a very public falling out with the de Boer brothers, and eventually was fired later that year. This summer will mark his 12th year in charge of the national team.

One to watch: Christian Eriksen (Ajax)

One of the graduates from the Ajax school, Eriksen is capable of creating magical pieces of inspiration in even the most solid of defences. Still only 20 years old, Eriksen is a wanted man all over the Europe.

Likely line-up:

Olsen will most likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nicklas Bendtner as the sole striker. Dennis Rommedahl, Christian Eriksen and Michael Krone-Dehli behind him. Niki Zimling and Willem Kvist will protect a defence which will likely consist of Lars Jacobsen, Daniel Agger, Simon Kjaer and Simon Poulsen.

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